Thursday, 27 September 2018

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Harare City Council
are conducting a joint operation targeting pirate taxis and commuter omnibuses
that are flouting traffic regulations.

Since last week, several pirate taxis and kombis have been
impounded during the ongoing operation.

During the past few years, council has been battling to
remove pirate taxis from the central business district (CBD)without success.

This has resulted in council working hand-in-hand with the
ZRP to get rid of pirate taxis.

Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme confirmed the
development. “Yes, we have a joint operation with the ZRP. Our officers have
been deployed to work with their ZRP counterparts to clean up the city,” he
said.

Impounded pirate taxis, Mr Chideme said, would be vetted to
check whether they are licensed, paid import duties or used in crime.

This comes after ZRP recently launched a countrywide
operation targeting unregistered vehicles and motorists that are flouting
traffic regulations and endangering the lives of other road users.

The crackdown on unregistered vehicles comes in the wake of
a spate of armed robberies countrywide as criminals are using such vehicles to
evade arrest.

Some of them were involved in hit-and-run accidents.

Also on target, are unlicensed drivers and motorists
carrying dangerous weapons.

Although police could not avail statistics of vehicles they
had impounded so far, there are roadblocks that have been mounted in and around
the city targeting such vehicles.

Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga recently said
the force will launch a massive crackdown targeting unlicensed drivers and
unregistered vehicles in a nationwide blitz that will signal the return of
roadblocks. Herald